Children experience many transitions, including from home to an early care and education setting, between age groups or program settings, and from preschool to kindergarten. Supporting these transitions for children, families, and staff is critically important because even positive change can be challenging. How the foundation for positive transitions is laid across all levels of the system to support children, families, and staff through transitions can have far-reaching effects on children’s well-being and academic success. Program staff consider the long-term process of building and maintaining the capacity to support children and families at all levels. They also look at ways to improve how they connect and communicate within systems during transitions.
This report summarizes the work of the OHS & Public Schools Collaboration Demonstration Project to improve the transition of children and families into the public schools.
Learn how data-sharing between programs and receiving schools can lead to more successful transitions for children and families.
Check out this summary of successful transitions to kindergarten activities that were planned and implemented by the teams in the Head Start-Public Schools Collaboration Demonstration Project (CDP).
Explore this collection of resources that support collaboration between the Office of Head Start (OHS) and public schools to improve the transition to kindergarten.
Learn how staff can help parents and family members prepare for an in-person or virtual school visit and become fully engaged in their children’s new school.
The first day of kindergarten is a big transition for children. Listen to Dr. B read aloud The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, and learn how you can support the children in your life as they take this big step.
Children aren’t the only ones nervous on the first day of kindergarten. Listen to Dr. Amanda Bryans read aloud First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg to help ease everyone’s transition to kindergarten.
Learn about the unique needs of children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their families during the transition to kindergarten. Discover what practices and strategies are key to ensure successful transitions.
Take a look at this complete catalogue of transition-to-kindergarten resources. Use them to find ways to support the children and families you serve.
Programs can use this planning form that can be edited by leaders as they build a kindergarten transition team and plan.